William Margolin ’67 died on July 22, 2025, in Portland, Maine.
(The following was provided by Legacy.com on July 22, 2025:)
William Margolin ’67
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William “Bill” Margolin, 80, of Randolph, Massachusetts.
Bill is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Bryna Leeder, his brother, Malcolm, of Berkeley, California, and his nephews, Ruben and Jake Margolin, and his niece, Sadie Costello.
Bill was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to Max and Rose Margolin in 1945. He grew up in West Roxbury. He was a proud alumnus of the Boston Latin School (Class of 1963) and Bowdoin College (Class of 1967). He served with distinction in the United States Army from 1966-1970.
Following college and his military service, Bill dedicated his life’s work to helping others and served as a passionate and inspirational friend, counselor, leader, and mentor for generations of young people. He spent more than three decades as the director of The West End House Boys & Girls Club in Allston, Massachusetts, and West End House Camp in Parsonsfield, Maine. His affiliation with the organization began as a thirteen-year-old in 1958. His love for West End House was evident in everything he did, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.
He was an active and beloved member of the Allston-Brighton community, where he was a leader and benefactor to many civic organizations, including the Allston Board of Trade, the Allston-Brighton Chamber of Commerce, and the Kiwanis Club. He participated in many civic events and served on various committees benefiting the Allston-Brighton neighborhood. Bill was also active in the community in Parsonsfield, Maine, where he was a dedicated member of the Long Pond Association.
Bill was a talented writer and public speaker, and his friends enjoyed his great sense of humor and storytelling ability. He was an avid collector, chess player, historian, and proud grammarian. He was a frequent participant in collector shows and fairs. He was the founder, publisher, and editor of Collectors Classified Magazine, which just celebrated its fiftieth anniversary.
Bill’s largest and most meaningful collection was that of his friends, whom he gathered throughout his life by living his faith with kindness to others. His compassion and genuine friendship will be missed by all. If you met him, he became your friend.
During the past few years, Bill looked forward to his weekly singing group, The Tremble Clefs. He recently lobbied the Massachusetts House of Representatives to issue a proclamation honoring the chorus. The legislature congratulated the singers for “their dedication to music, wellness and community and for fostering creativity and connection among individuals living with Parkinson’s.”